2 www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] CONTENTS WHO ARE WE? 04 BASE CAMP TREK 2021 05 ABOUT THE CAUSE 07 FUNDRAISING IDEAS 09 THE ITINERARY 11 TESTIMONIAL 29 FAQs 31

www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] 3 WHO  ARE WE?

Inspired by faith, devoted to humanity.

Motivated by our faith, Muslim Charity seeks a world of hope, tolerance and social justice where poverty has been overcome and people live in dignity.

Founded in 1999, for two decades we have been delivering aid and development programmes to transform the lives of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

We serve the poor and impoverished as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people regardless of race, religion or gender.

#TeamMC is our family of volunteers, without them the work we do would not be possible

Our volunteers are passionate about helping the needy and willing to do all they can to transform lives around the world.

They inspire us through the events and challenges they get involved in from skydiving from 13,000 feet or cycling endless miles in the UK and abroad. They organise fundraising and awareness- creating activities amongst friends, families and communities and are a voice for those in need.

If you want to join the movement, please sign up here: www.muslimcharity.org.uk/TeamMC

4 www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] K2 BASE CAMP TREK 2021 AND GONDOGORO LA TREK (OPTIONAL)

5 K2 BASE CAMP  TREK 2021 AND GONDOGORO LA TREK (OPTIONAL) PAKISTAN The K2 Base Camp Trek is one of the finest treks in the world, unbeatable in terms of close-up mountain views and proximity to many of the world’s highest peaks. The trekkers will experience, rugged glaciers as they head up to Concordia where the Baltoro and the Godwin-Austen glaciers converge into a beautiful site showing simplicity of ice and rock.

The trekkers will have an opportunity to absorb the unique atmosphere and environment surrounding this unforgettable mountain. Conditions permitting, we will return via the spectacular Gondogoro La (altitude: 5,500m / 18,045 ft), a dramatic high col that affords further stunning views of not only the peaks but also , K2 and the Muztagh Tower.

Key information • Registration Fee: £700 – This includes all costs within Pakistan (hotels, food, accommodation, airport transfers and internal domestic flights). This is to be paid in two installments: £150 (Deposit) is payable upon registering/signing up and the remainder of £550 can be paid up until 14th July 2021).

• Fundraising Target: £2,000 – for our #ChildrenOfTheWorld Campaign.

• What’s not included: International UK-Pakistan return flights and visa fees.

Do I need to be an experienced mountain climber to join the Trek?

The K2 Base Camp Trek is a legendary trek, suitable for ‘munro baggers’ who are used to or willing to walk in winter conditions.

The K2 base camp itself is well within the reach of most people who enjoy a good standard of hiking fitness. However, training specifically for the trek is essential to prepare you for the particular pitfalls posed by mountain walking. You are strongly advised to seek medical advice before deciding to arrange your trek and before starting a training program, particularly if you have any concerns about your health. It is sensible to start training as early as possible before your scheduled trek. Conventional exercise routines which build strength, fitness and endurance, such as aerobics and light weight-training can be beneficial, particularly if your fitness level is less than desirable. But the best physical preparation is activity which simulates, as far as possible, the demands on your body which will be happening during your ascent to and descent from the K2 base camp. Hiking up and down hills with a weighted backpack is the key to success and doing this once a week building up to carrying 12kg/25lbs would be advisable along with a daily stair master and incline treadmill session is also very important for a successful training programme.

So if you have the passion for trekking and can walk for 8 to 10 hours in the wilderness and you love mountains, camping and adventures then this is the right challenge for you to sign up to! This will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and what will make it extra special is the children that you will be able to support as part of your fundraising efforts. During the trip you will also get to see and meet with some of the children you will be supporting.

6 www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] ABOUT THE CAUSE

7 ABOUT THE CAUSE

There are 150 million children on the streets known. We understand that every country and in the world. community is different and our projects are designed to synchronise with the society norms, Chased from home by violence, abuse, death culture and government policies. of a parent, family breakdown, war, natural disaster or simply socio-economic collapse. In Bangladesh, we have been rescuing street Many of these children are forced to make a children since 2014. We have a permanent living on the streets by scavenging, begging, transitional shelter in Dhaka and also have hawking in the slums and polluted cities of the regular “Schools under the Sky” in busy ferry developing world. terminals like Sadarghat which are informal schools aiming to give street children a basic These children are living in constant fear of education. abuse, trafficking and exploitation. In Pakistan, we are supporting children who That is not right. are involved in child labour in Peshawar and brothel children in Lahore. Our social mobilisers Our Children of the World campaign rebuilds encourage them to join our informal education young lives by supporting and strengthening centres where we ensure their education and local communities to protect children facing the psychosocial wellbeing. gravest injustices. In Kenya, we are working in Africa’s largest urban Working in some of the harshest environments slum, the Kibera where we have renovated and you can imagine, we have been able to rescue constructed schools so that children can get an thousands of children from the street where opportunity for an education. abuse and exploitation was all they have

Just £25 is all it takes for Muslim Charity to rescue a child from the street and give them a life they deserve.

8 www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] FUNDRAISING IDEAS

www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] 9 FUNDRAISING  IDEAS

Raising £2,000 does sound like a little daunting • Get messaging, WhatsApping and sharing at first but if you allow yourself plenty of time your fundraising challenge across your and if you put your mind to it, you can do it. social media platforms.

You are doing something quite extraordinary, • Host a dinner night or coffee morning and so the important thing is to let everyone know charge guests for a delicious home-cooked about the great cause you are fundraising for meal or tea and cake. and to enjoy yourself! • Get busy in the workplace, organise a With a bit of creativity, energy and samosa sale or sell Krispy Kremes. Everyone determination you will easily be able to reach loves a bake sale! your fundraising target InshaAllah. You’ll also have the opportunity to maximise fundraising • Speak to your employer. Many employers potential during the month of Ramadan with have match funding schemes and could Zakat donations too. match your donations pound for pound. If not, there’s always other ways they could Our Fundraising Team is full of ideas and help – perhaps organise a dress down day, experience and will be able to assist you a quiz night or promote you in their throughout your fundraising journey. newsletter.

Here are a few ideas to help you get started: • Dig out your unwanted treasures and organise a car boot or jumble sale. • Begin by setting up an online donation  page and ask everyone you know • Contact your local papers. Tell your story to to donate - the more people you ask, the your local radio station or your newspaper more you will raise! and ensure the wider community get to hear about your incredible efforts.

10 www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] THE  ITINERARY

11 DAY SATURDAY 14TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 11:00am to 7:00pm Please arrive into Islamabad Airport between 11am and 7pm on this day, upon arrival you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel for rest and evening dinner and briefing. Islamabad Altitude 540m / 1,771ft Accommodation Twin-sharing room at a 3-star hotel in Islamabad Meals Lunch and Dinner

DAY SUNDAY, 15TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 6:30am to 7:30am Breakfast and check out from hotel 7:30am to 8:30am Transfer to Islamabad Airport for flight to Skardu 10:30am to 11:30am Flight 451 to Skardu Participants will take the spectacular flight from Islamabad Airport to Skardu Airport. You will be able to see Nanga Parbat if the clouds allow. After arrival in Skardu, the day is free.

On the day: participants can walk to Kharpocho Fort in Skardu, which is located up on a mountain. The Kharpocho Fort gives a splendid view of the Indus and Skardu town. Participants will also have an option to take a tour to Sadpara Lake followed by free shopping time in Skardu Bazaar. On this day the staff will take care of further government documentation required in Skardu for the trek. Skardu Altitude 2,498m / 8,195ft Accommodation Twin-sharing room at a hotel in Skardu Meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

12 www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] DAY MONDAY 16TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 6:30am to 7:30am Breakfast and check out from hotel. 8:00am to 4:30pm Participants will begin the jeep safari towards Daso, the passage will go Skardu to Ashkole through the Shigar valley. The journey will be followed on the sides of Braldu river which extends to Askole. Via 4x4 Jeep vehicles Askole will be the last village on our route; participants will start walking after leaving the 4x4 vehicles behind. However, at times the participants may begin their walk before arrival in to Askole but it depends on the road conditions. Overall it will take between seven hours to eight hours in covering the distance.

Ashkole Altitude 3,015m / 9,891ft Accommodation Camping in twin-sharing dome tent (see above picture) Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] 13 DAY TUESDAY, 17TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 6:30am to 7:00am Breakfast and preparation to leave for Jhula 7:00am to 4:30pm After review of the necessary supplies list and equipment, the porters Ashkole to Jhula will load up for the trek ahead to Jhola. The valley is a gateway to the Biafo glacier that flows over fifty kilometres from Hispar La to Braldu. Trekking Participants will experience the walking on a moraine as the snout of the glacier is crossed and they will descend to a lunch spot besides the Korofon river.

The route will take us the to the confluence of the rivers of Braldu and Domordo. The former trail is not taken for the trek and instead a newer trail will lead us to go upstream where participants will cross the river by bridge. On the other side of the bridge the participants will descend to the edge of Braldu river and will follow the river bank to reach the camp at Jhola. Jhola Altitude 3,103m / 10,180ft Accommodation Camping in twin-sharing dome tent Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

14 www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] DAY WEDNESDAY, 18TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 6:30am to 7:00am Breakfast and preparation to leave for Pajju 7:00am to 4:30pm Participants will follow the Braldu gorge, along the bank of Braldu river. Jhula to Pajju Participants will be able to view the astonishing rocks of Trango Tower and Cathedral Peak. Participants should prevent themselves from Trekking possible sunburns during this day as the walking conditions can be very dry and hot.

Several streams from the glacier flow down into the valley and on the way participants will have to use river crossing shoes depending on the water levels. Participants will be able to spot the snout of on a clear day. The day will end by climbing away from the river to camp at Paiju, the last camp where you will see trees for a while. Pajju Altitude 3,418m / 11,213ft Accommodation Camping in twin-sharing dome tent Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY THURSDAY 19TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 6:00am to 7:00am Breakfast and preparation to leave for Urdukas/Khoburtse 7:00am to 4:30pm On this day the walking will get tough however the scenery will become Pajju to Urdukas/ amazing with each step taken onto the snout of Baltoro Glacier. The trail Khoburtse has continuous up and down climbs on the glacial moraine, although the trail is quite safe but it is highly recommended to be careful at all times. Participants will experience the stunning views as they move Trekking ahead; the views of Trango Tower and Uli Biaho. Participants are required to go across the glacier to Liligo. From this point the participants will follow a rocky trail which is along the edge of the Baltoro or sometimes to Urdukas/Khoburtse, the side of the glacier where camp will be made. Urdukas/Altitude 3,788m / 12,427ft Accommodation Camping in twin-sharing dome tent Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] 15 DAY FRIDAY, 20TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 6:00am to 7:00am Breakfast and preparation to leave for Goro I / Goro II 7:00am to 4:30pm Participants will be walking in the middle of the glacier. The medial Urdukas/Khoburtse to moraine will be followed; to the south we will get the views of Goro I / Goro II Masherbrum (altitude: 7,821m). Participants will be climbing up and down on the rocky moraine and as the participants move ahead they Trekking will walk pass massive ice seracs.

This will be the first night stay camp on Baltoro Glacier at Goro II, it is the confluence of Baltoro Glacier and Younghusband. The temperature may drop dramatically. Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower will be uncovered for the sight. Goro II Altitude 4,285m / 14,058ft Accommodation Camping in twin-sharing dome tent Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY SATURDAY, 21ST AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 6:00am to 7:00am Breakfast and preparation to leave for Concordia 7:00am to 4:30pm On this day of the K2 Base Camp Trek, participants will reach Concordia Goro II to Concordia after continuously walking up the moraine, on the way more and more high snow-capped peaks will appear, the culmination for the sighting of Trekking K2 will be experienced on this day. Other peaks that will be seen include Broad Peak, Mitre Peak, Gasherbrum, Sia Kangri and many more. Concordia Altitude 4,512m / 14,803ft Accommodation Camping in twin-sharing dome tent Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

16 www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] DAY SUNDAY, 22ND AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 6:00am to 7:00am Breakfast and preparation to leave for K2 Base Camp and return to Concordia 7:00am to 4:30pm Today there will be an opportunity to walk up the Godwin-Austen glacier Concordia to K2 to the Art Gilkey Memorial (an American geologist and mountaineer) just Basecamp and Return before K2 Base Camp. This will be a very long but spectacular day. We to Concordia will leave early morning, crossing the glaciers onto the faint trail heading towards K2 (there is a faint rocky trail all the way). As we follow the glacier Trekking towards K2 the mountain seems to grow bigger and bigger. Broad Peak rears up to our right and after about 3 hours we pass Broad Peak base camp. We usually have our lunch break here and then carry on with K2 towering above us as we get closer and closer.

Just before Base Camp, amongst the boulder and ice strewn landscape is the Art Gilkey Memorial. A short scramble brings us to the place where those whose life K2 claimed are remembered. Plaques and engraved tin plates are attached to a small rocky outcrop at the foot of this great mountain. There are great views directly above us of K2 and we may see some climbing expeditions. After lunch, we retrace our steps back to Concordia. K2 Base Camp Altitude 5,155m / 16,912ft Accommodation Camping in twin-sharing dome tent Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY MONDAY, 23RD AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 6:00am to 7:00am Breakfast and preparation to leave for Urdukas/Khoburtse 7:00am to 4:30pm On this day of the K2 Base Camp Trek, participants will track back to Concordia to Goro II while walking down the moraine, on the way more and more high Urdukas/Khoburtse snow-capped peaks will appear, the culmination for the sighting of K2 Trekking will be experienced on this day. Other peaks that can be seen include Broad Peak, Mitre Peak, Gasherbrum, Sia Kangri and many more. Goro II Altitude 4,285 m / 14,058ft Accommodation Camping in twin-sharing dome tent Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] 17 Participants who want to brave the Gondogoro La Trek (for experienced climbers) will have a different route/itinerary from 24th to 26th August 2021 so please refer to the Optional Gondogoro La Trek part of the itinerary on pages 24 to 28 of this brochure.

DAY TUESDAY, 24TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 6:00am to 7:00am Breakfast and preparation to leave for Pajju 7:00am to 4:30pm Participants will be walking in the middle of the glacier. The medial moraine will be followed; to the south we will get the views of Urdukas/Khoburtse to Masherbrum (7,821m). Participants will be climbing up and down on the Pajju rocky moraine and as the participants move ahead they will walk pass massive ice seracs. Trekking Pajju 3,418 m / 11,213ft Accommodation Camping in twin-sharing dome tent Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY WEDNESDAY, 25TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 6:00am to 7:00am Breakfast and preparation to leave for Jholla 7:00am to 4:30pm This day trail has continuous up and down climbs on the glacial moraine, Pajju to Jholla although the trail is quite safe but it is highly recommended to be careful at all times. Participants will experience the stunning views as they stroll Trekking down. Jholla/Altitude 3,418 m/ 11213ft Accommodation Camping in twin-sharing dome tent Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

18 www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] DAY THURSDAY, 26TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 6:00am to 7:00am Breakfast and preparation to leave for Skardu 7:00am to 8:30pm This day trail gets easier and the participants will be descending to Jholla to Ashkole and Ashkole within 3-4 hours. On arrival in Ashkole the participants will Drive to Skardu embark on 4x4 vehicles for Skardu while taking a break for lunch.

Trekking and 4x4 Jeep The 4x4 vehicle ride will be approximately 5 to 6 hours to Skardu Skardu Altitude Altitude: 2,498m / 8,195ft Accommodation Twin-sharing room at a hotel in Skardu Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY FRIDAY, 27TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 6:00am to 7:00am Breakfast and preparation to leave for Village 07:00-12:30 The 4x4 vehicle ride will be approximately 5 to 6 hours to Hushe Village Skardu to Hushe Village for the inauguration of a newly renovated school by Muslim Charity. via 4x4 vehicles Participants will be able to enjoy the local village life and celebrate with 15:00-22:00 them. It will be a highlight of cultural exposure and first-hand knowledge of history.

At this point the participants will also join the other team members coming from the optional Gondogoro La Trek route. We will return back from the village late at night. Skardu Altitude Altitude: 2,498m / 8,195ft Accommodation Twin-Sharing room at a hotel in Skardu Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] 19 DAY SATURDAY, 28TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 8:00am to 09:30am Breakfast and Preparation to Check-Out 10:00am to 11:00am Check Out and Transfer to Airport 12:30pm Flight Departure to Islamabad 1:30pm Arrival in Islamabad and Hotel Check-in Accommodation Twin-Sharing room at a hotels in Islamabad Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY SUNDAY, 29TH AUGUST 2021 This day is allocated for any potential delays in case the domestic flight does not operate the previous day. Our guests will depart early morning from Chilas to Islamabad which can take up to ten hours. However, it will be a free day in case the participants make it to Islamabad on the domestic flight. This time can be utilized for sightseeing in Islamabad.

TIME ACTIVITY 8:00am to 09:30am Breakfast Accommodation Twin-sharing room at a hotel in Islamabad Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY MONDAY, 30TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 8:00am to 09:30am Breakfast 9:00am to 12:00pm Check-Out and International Departures Meals Breakfast

20 www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] What’s included in the Registration Fee of £700 • All domestic flights and road transfers including airport transfers • All hotel accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing rooms) • All trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing dome tents) • Mattresses • All camping site fees and bridge fees • All trekking logistics (all tents, non-personal equipment and tools etc.) • Generator facilities at trekking sites • Oxygen equipment for emergency use • All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and beverages/water during meals • Snacks including dry fruits and tea/coffee during the trek • Free refills of boiled drinking water on the trek • Licensed professional guides (government requirement) • Government trekking permit fees and paperwork • Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc) • Porter for personal luggage (12kgs) • First aid medicine kit (basic) • Satellite phone for emergencies • Trekking map and trip achievement certificate

What’s NOT included • Personal travel insurance (you are strongly advised to take out your own) • Visa to Pakistan (Supporting documents will be provided) • International airfare • Personal equipment (e.g. sleeping bags, trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks etc) • Personal mountain equipment (crampon, mountaineering boot, ice axe, harness, two carabineers headlights, helmet etc) • Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) • Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, staff etc • Miscellaneous (bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc) • Any unforeseen expenses (just like road block extra hotel stay) etc. • Insurance liability and other under force majeure conditions, medical aid and helicopter rescue coverage of members etc.

www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] 21 Recommended List of Equipment

Water proof jacket Light cotton and Woollen Thermal trouser Thermal upper socks

Trekking boots/ Gloves (water proof) Woollen cap Sun cap/hat covered joggers

Backpack Sleeping bag Head cover (scarf) Trouser

Tights Full sleeves t-shirts Water proof trouser Sun glasses (uv)

Water bottle 1.5 ltr Two trekking sticks Head torch (high beam) Extra cells for torch

Charger Sun block Lip salve Small towel

Steel Carabiner Crampon Climbing Harness Tooth brush/paste (Optional for Gondogoro La Trek) (Optional for Gondogoro La Trek)

22 www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] 23 OPTIONAL: Gondogoro La Trek Itinerary “La” in Balti means mountain pass, ridge or a low point between two mountains, allowing access through a relatively lower point. Gondogoro La connects Baltoro region with Hushe Valley, home to the exquisite Laila Peak (6,096m) and some small villages like Hushe and Kanday. However, the pass is very steep and crossing it requires the use of fixed ropes to ascend and descend. So in a way, this is beyond conventional trekking. At the beginning of every season, a rescue team from Hushe village takes up the task of fixing these ropes, maintaining them through the trekking season and removing them at the end of the season in late August.

Even though the ascending and descending sides of the pass have fixed dynamic ropes, crossing this pass requires good judgement, top fitness, prior acclimatisation and basic mountaineering skills.

Numerous climbers regard this region as having some of the finest mountain scenery anywhere in the world. At Gondogoro La, one overlooks to the northeast what Galen Rowell termed the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods.” Apart from dozens more, one can see the following famous peaks from the pass: K2(Choghori), Broad Peak, Masherbrum, Laila Peak, Gasherbrum I-IV and Trinity Peak

DAY TUESDAY, 24TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 6:00am to 7:00am Breakfast and preparation to leave for Ali Camp 7:00am to 4:30pm Not only sunsets, but the mornings are also amazing at Concordia, Concordia to Ali Camp especially when the weather is favourable. However there is no other choice but to pack your luggage and proceed to the Ali camp in the Vigne Trekking valley. The last stage before crossing Gondogoro La is an ascent lasting approximately six hours from Concordia to Ali camp in a completely icy Vigne valley. Short de tours will be made to avoid crevasses and the participants should walk on rugged ice rather than slippery ice. In case of snow, the participants and the porters will walk together wearing crampons for safety, hooked with ropes to each other.

The base will be set in Ali camp, where participants will reach after hiking for 6-7 hours. “Ali Camp” is named after a local porter, who was the first person to cross Gondogoro La. Upon reaching the base some basic skills will be taught to the participants for the next day, which would be the crossing of Gondogoro La. Ali camp is a small rocky plateau surrounded with ice on all sides. Ali Camp Altitude 4,958 m / 16,266ft Accommodation Camping in twin-sharing dome tent Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

24 www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] DAY WEDNESDAY 25TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 2:00am to 3:00am Breakfast and preparation to leave for Gondogoro La and Khuspang 3:00am to 12:30pm On this day participants will wake up as early as 2am. After gearing up and having breakfast the participants roped as one unit and wearing Ali Camp to Gondogoro crampons will depart for Gondogoro La base. Depending upon the La and Khuspang situation our support crew will be there to fix ropes or helping the members out with the gears. It takes about 3 hours to get to the top of Trekking Gondogoro La. You get to see and experience a breath-taking view of four peaks above 8,000 metres: K2, G1, Broad Peak and G2.

While descending to the other side, fixed ropes will be utilized to the full extent, and use of crampons is vital for the safety of the members. Members will get the views of the beautiful and sword head shaped Laila Peak (6,096m) and also the views of other trinity peaks.

Participants will have to be extra careful while descending and watch out for every step they take to avoid jolting stones on their teams members. Upon descending for the slope, the trail becomes easy and participants will move on the moraine. The camp will be set up in the junction point of Gondogoro and Trinity Glacier called Khuispang (4,600m).

The rest of the time can be spent enjoying the lush green surroundings and camps and comfort their bodies with a good well-earned sleep. Gondogoro Altitude 5,500 m / 18,045ft Accommodation Camping in twin-sharing dome tent Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] 25 26 www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] DAY THURSDAY 26TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 6:00am to 7:00am Breakfast and preparation to leave for Saicho 7:00am to 4:30pm Participants will continue hiking down, since the hike downwards would Khushpang to Saicho be a comparatively easy hike so the climbing equipment i.e. ropes, crampons will be packed while descending. The mountainous and rocky terrain will be taken over by the lush green landscapes of Hushe Valley. Trekking After lunch, participants will continue hiking to the edge of the Gondogoro Glacier, upon reaching the edge they will find a trail which will lead them to a beautiful valley of rhubarb and grass.

The trek gets easy when the two trails meet. Members will see the huts made of stones by herders and local settlers. On this day participants will experience signs of settlements in the area and will be able to breathe easily due to big trees and a lower altitude. Camp will be set up at Saicho (3,350m) on a part of sand with little grass along the flowing glacier water steams. Saicho Altitude 3,350m / 11,483ft Accommodation Camping in twin-sharing dome tent Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY FRIDAY 27TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 6:00am to 7:00am Breakfast and preparation to leave for Hushe (School Inauguration) and drive to Skardu 7:00am to 1:30pm Participants will trek down for only 3-4 hours past the river stream of Saicho to Hushe and glacier melted water of Charakusa, Ailling, Masherbrum and Gondogoro Drive to Skardu Glaciers. Participants will start see signs of residences, shelter, fields and Trekking signs of people living.

15:00-22:00 Participants will participate in the inauguration of a newly renovated school by Muslim Charity and explore the Hushe Village while interacting with locals. 4x4 vehicles and Minibus Participants will also cross a suspension bridge above Shyok River (which flows from Ladakh, India) to get to the 4x4 vehicles. In the past traditional rafts which were made of goat skin filled with air were used to cross the river. The suspension bridge which is in use now to cross was built in 1990s. Upon crossing the bridge, participants will embark on 4x4 vehicles for an 8-hour journey to Skardu via Khaplu. Hushe Altitude 2,498 m / 8,195ft Accommodation Twin-Sharing room at a hotel in Skardu Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] 27 DAY SATURDAY 28TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 8:00am to 09:30am Breakfast and Preparation to Check-Out 10:00am to 11:00am Check Out and Transfer to Airport 12:30pm Flight Departure to Islamabad 1:30pm Arrival in Islamabad and Hotel Check-in Accommodation Twin-Sharing room at a hotels in Islamabad Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY SUNDAY 29TH AUGUST 2021 This day is allocated for any potential delays in case the domestic flight does not operate the previous day. Our guests will depart early morning from Chilas to Islamabad which can take up to ten hours. However, it will be a free day in case the participants make it to Islamabad on the domestic flight. This time can be utilized for sightseeing in Islamabad.

TIME ACTIVITY 8:00am to 09:30am Breakfast Accommodation Twin-sharing room at a hotel in Islamabad Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY MONDAY 30TH AUGUST 2021 TIME ACTIVITY 8:00am to 09:30am Breakfast 9:00am to 12:00pm Check-Out and International Departures Meals Breakfast

28 www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] TESTIMONIAL

29 TESTIMONIAL

In July 2018 we organised our inaugural Pakistan Mountain Trek where participants from the UK took on the Himalayan Trek and climbed the Ju Peak (Nanga Parbat) in Northern Pakistan. The amazing experience has led us on to organise this year’s K2 Base Camp Trek.

Here is a testimonial from one of the participants from the previous Himalayan Trek 2018 challenge:

An adventure never to be forgotten!

The trip was very well organised end to end. Even though it was in some of the most challenging terrains, we still had good accommodation and food along the away.

The guides and sherpa’s were brilliant, well experienced and very supportive.

Beautiful and breathtaking scenery at every turn.

A journey that must be done at least once in a lifetime.

Something about being in the mountains, that my words cannot describe.

Looking forward to doing K2 Base Camp, InshAllah.

30 www.muslimcharity.org.uk/K2 03000 111 786 [email protected] FAQs

When do we need to arrive in Islamabad by Please also consult the Pakistan High and will we be picked up at the airport? Commission for further information: https://www.phclondon.org/ All participants should arrange their flights so that they land at Islamabad Airport no later Do I need to get insurance? than 7.00pm on Saturday 14th August 2021. Participants will be picked up at the airport by Yes. It is strongly recommended and vital for you a representative of the Islamabad hotel we will to have taken out your own personal insurance be staying at. cover. All persons are expected to arrange their own insurance. Insurance policies should cover Can I come a few days earlier or leave any potential risks involved in a K2 Base Camp Pakistan a few days after the trip ends? Trek type of challenge.

Yes you can. But your logistical arrangements Do I need to take any vaccinations? (including accommodation, transport etc) will need to be managed yourself if this is the case. Yes you may need to take these. Please ensure you consult your GP well in advance of your Where can I book my flights from? travel. Courses of vaccinations can take 6 weeks. We consider vaccinations against typhoid, polio, This is entirely up to you. You can use a travel hepatitis A and B and a tetanus injection to agent or the following recommended websites: be essential. www.skyscanner.net and www.opodo.co.uk Please be sure to check that the flight dates, How much money shall I take with me? times and airports are correct. We strongly recommend that you run the flight routing Spending money depends on your taste for through us before booking and issuing the ticket souvenirs, gifts etc. We estimate that £200 will to make sure it is as per our itinerary. be more than sufficient to cover the tour.

Will you arrange my visa? How does it work?

No, this needs to be arranged and paid for by yourself separately. We can provide the supporting documentation required to facilitate your visa process. The cost for the visas vary depending on your nationality. At the time of writing, British citizens can apply for a Pakistani visa using the online visa system here: https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/tourist-visa/

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